Blue Moon Owl
"The Mundanes believe owls to be a symbol of wisdom. With the Moon Owl, I'm inclined to believe it. When looking into the eyes of these creatures, you get the sense that they just... know." - Celyddon Rosser, author of Enchanted Fauna
The Blue Moon Owl (Tyto caerulea), typically just referred to as Moon Owl or Blue Masked Owl, is a magical bird species native to the British Isles. These intelligent creatures bear a striking resemblance to common barn owls during daylight hours. However, their remarkable feature reveals itself at night when they are illuminated by moonlight, as their plumage takes on a captivating blue sheen.
Description
Blue Moon Owls very closely resemble barn owls in their appearance. They possess a predominantly white and silver plumage, their heart-shaped faces are white with black eyes, surrounded by a golden frame. This gives them the appearance of wearing a mask, hence the colloquial name "Masked Owl". The body is around 35-40 cm long with a wingspan of 90-100 cm and a short, squarish tail.
The most unusual feature of Moon Owls is their plumage. During the day, it remains silver and white, which is why many believe them to be barn owls with slightly unusual colouring. However, when illuminated by moonlight, the feathers take on a captivating blue sheen.
Habitat and Behavior
Blue Moon Owls inhabit a variety of habitats across the British Isles, including woodlands, farmlands, and coastal areas. They are known for their excellent adaptability to different environments, allowing them to thrive in diverse landscapes. These owls are predominantly nocturnal, relying on their exceptional night vision and keen hearing to hunt their prey. However, they have been known to be active during the day as well.
In terms of behavior, Blue Moon Owls exhibit a high level of intelligence, comparable to that of ravens. They are keen observers of their surroundings and are known for their strategic hunting techniques. These owls are also highly agile in flight, maneuvering silently through the night skies in pursuit of their prey.
Magical Abilities
Blue Moon Owls possess inherent magical abilities closely tied to moonlight. Their feathers, when infused with moonlight, carry potent magical properties. These feathers are highly sought after by practitioners of magic for use in various enchantments, potions, and spellcasting rituals. The magical properties of Blue Moon Owl feathers are known to enhance intuition, divination, and mystical practices.
The feathers are typically not used for wandmaking. Although they do possess properties that might make them interesting for this purpose, they will only take effect when exposed to moonlight.
Role in Magic
Due to their connection with moonlight and their magical properties, Blue Moon Owls are revered in magical communities. They are often seen as symbols of wisdom, intuition, and hidden knowledge. Some practitioners consider encounters with Blue Moon Owls to be auspicious, signifying a time of heightened magical energy and spiritual awakening.
Conservation Status and Protection
Blue Moon Owls are not only cherished for their magical attributes but also recognized for their ecological importance. Efforts are being made to protect their habitats and ensure their continued existence in the British Isles. Conservation initiatives focus on preserving the natural environments these owls rely on for nesting and hunting, as well as raising awareness about their significance in both magical and ecological contexts.
Trivia
- Kathrin Summerdale's familius is a female Blue Moon Owl named Rea. The owl grants her the ability to perceive the environment with enhanced senses of sight and hearing.